Crews from RNAS Culdrose are carrying out essential work in Afghanistan.
Sea King helicopter squadrons from the Helston-based naval station are helping to save the lives of Afghan citizens and coalition troops, as well as stopping the flow of explosives around the Helmand Province. Since entering Afghanistan in May 2009, the Culdrose Sea King squadrons have enabled the discovery of “significant” amounts of equipment capable of making improved explosive devices (IEDs), as well as arms, drugs and suspect insurgents.
They have regularly directed ground forces to vehicles laden with fertiliser, electric wiring and batteries, all of which are used to make explosives.
The squadrons’ main role has been to support British and coalition forces in the region by using the powerful radar onboard the Royal Navy’s Sea King helicopters for long range surveillance from the air. Personnel from 857 Naval Air Squadron handed over the ‘front line’ duty to sister Squadron 854 on December 1. The full article will appear in tomorrow's Packet.
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